Metal-organic framework catalysts for industrial applications: From active-site engineering to commercialization challenges

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as highly promising catalysts for industrial applications owing to their structural tunability, high surface area, porosity, and diverse catalytic functionalities. Since their introduction in the 1990s, MOFs have evolved from porous crystalline materials into versatile catalytic platforms capable of facilitating a wide range of industrially relevant reactions. This review highlights recent advances in MOF-based catalysis, focusing on the development of innovative synthetic strategies, mechanistic insights, and structure-property relationships that govern catalytic performance. Particular emphasis is placed on multimetallic and bifunctional MOFs, which have demonstrated enhanced activity, selectivity, and stability in various catalytic processes. The review further discusses key challenges associated with stability, scalability, and practical implementation, while exploring emerging opportunities in sustainable catalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis. The current trends and future perspectives are presented to provide a comprehensive outlook on the role of MOFs in advancing industrial catalysis.